Braves Exercise Three 2013 Options

2:03pm: The Braves announced they've exercised the options for McCann, Hudson and Maholm.

10:46am: The Braves are expected to announce today that they've exercised the 2013 contract options for Brian McCann, Tim Hudson and Paul Maholm, Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reports (on Twitter). The Braves have until tomorrow to decide whether the players will return to Atlanta for another year or become free agents.

McCann recently underwent shoulder surgery that was more extensive than expected, so there was some question as to whether GM Frank Wren would exercise the $12MM option. The 28-year-old hit 20 home runs and posted a .230/.300/.399 batting line in 2012, the worst offensive season of his career.

Hudson will earn $9MM in 2013 instead of a $1MM buyout. He posted a 3.62 ERA with 5.1 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9 in 179 innings with the Braves in 2012. Joining him in the rotation will be Maholm, who posted a 3.67 ERA with 6.7 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9 in 189 innings this past season. The 30-year-old left-hander will earn $6.5MM.

I don’t think that was really ever an option, especially after he had the season he did and us giving up Vizcaino in the process to net him. He’s affordable, especially for us and a great value on a team in need of LHP.

Balance really isn’t. The Braves recently had one of their best statistical year SP wise in 2009 with zero lefties in the rotation (other than a few token starts by Jo-Jo Reyes). Having five good pitchers is more important than the handedness of said pitchers.

If you can find someone cheaper than Maholm’s option that gives you greater confidence that he’ll be able to compete in the NL East in 2013 and put up better numbers than Maholm, than by all means, contact Wren.

I’m just going by the fact that all NL East teams except for WSH (best record in NL) ranked in the bottom 7 of all NL teams vs. LHP, while all but ATL ranked in the top 10 in the NL vs. RHP.

My point is that the most important fact that Maholm represents the best arm for the rotation, even while having good pitching prospects looming if we didn’t pick-up the option. The fact that we needed pitching at the deadline and we went after a RHP (Dempster) and didn’t get him, yet fared better by getting LHP Maholm should indicate that ATL doesn’t care so much about where they’re throwing from as much as how they’re throwing – which is what I believe.

You’re really confusing me. I argued the counter point to your original post by stating that having five good pitchers was the most important thing not their handedness.

Then you basically restate that exact same thing and challenge me to point out something I didn’t even assert in the first place?

I have no problem with Maholm, I have a problem with the assertion that “balance” is necessary or even important. If Maholm is the best choice, then by all means go with him, but you go with him because he is the best choice not because he is a lefty.

Yeah I love that balance thing. If you had 4 RH starting pitchers on your team and were in search of another arm to round out the rotation, would you turn Verlander down in favor of Cliff Lee just because Lee’s a lefty and you “need a lefty”? No you wouldnt. You go with the best 5 pitchers. Period.

That’s ridiculous. Obviously if you’re debating having Cliff Lee or Verlander on your team, then you’ve gone off the argument. Do you not remember 2 seasons ago when teams would call up minor-league LHP to start against ATL because we were so bad vs. LHP. We were worst in MLB by quite a lot.

I’m going by the age-old idea that a majority of LH batters can’t hit LHP as well as RHP. I’m also going by the idea that in 2012 the NL East had much better numbers vs. RHP than LHP.

Yes, you start your aces, but it’s interesting to start some pitchers are the end of the rotation based on how well the rest of your division does against comparable pitchers. Maybe it’s my opinion, but I like having a rotation with 1-2 LHP that are also exceptional pitchers like Maholm/Minor are. I think that makes our rotation better than 2 years ago when we didn’t have LHP in the rotation.

Understood, and I agree. But, when you’re in a position to make a move for a pitcher that you’re confident in like Maholm, because we need a LHP, should be a positive for his addition…and nothing else. That’s all that I’m saying. It shouldn’t be the presiding factor for bringing any pitcher in. They’ll still pitch and get hit around like any other MLB pitcher.

What a disrespectful move. I’m not suggesting that. That would look like we’re trying to profit off McCann’s surgery, which he did to try and improve from his down 2012 partially because of an injury.

My point in not picking up the option is that ATL/McCann need to come to an agreement that benefits both sides in 2013 and paying $12 million for less than 5 months of play after having his career-low season in 2012, some of the worst defense for his position throughout his career, and going cold after August during the last 2 years is not a fair shake for ATL. Too much risk involved.

I’d like to see a 2 yr/18 deal done, maybe even 2/20. He is going to miss some time, but he’s young enough to bounce back. 1/12 isn’t going to kill the club so picking up the option is a no-brainer, but you should try to get a 2 or 3 yr deal, no more.

Not really, isn’t every player overpaid. I mean millions to play a game. Besides the braves are a mid-market team and to expect the type of offense from a catcher isn’t realistic, especially in the National League. It’s too much money for a guy that hasn’t lived up to it the last 2 years. I think it’d show more respect to say we’d love to have you for 3 years instead of a 1 & done, ‘show me if you still got it’ deal.

No, every player isn’t overpaid. Most aren’t. Consider the realistic financial implications that all start with those players. Think about the hundreds of million of dollars in TV deals, the billion-dollar stadiums built to watch them play, the merchandise sold with their names, and the tickets sold to watch them perform their jobs. Consider the dedication and the sacrifice it takes, along with the talent and drive that so few have, I don’t consider most overpaid not named Alex Rodriguez.

It’s a case of loyalty Derek. Yes you are correct about the facts and
circumstances.However the $13Mil commitment to Mac is for THIS YEAR ONLY. That contract will in no way hinder the GM’s ability to build this season’s roster. You are paying Mac out of loyalty and for having been one of the top 5 MLB catchers for the past seven seasons. With all of the budget flexibility the Braves have, combined with the fact that there are no viable options to replace McCann right now (Betancourt isnt ready, Ross isnt an everyday player) it really is the right move, and the only move. Come down off the mountain now bro, everybody hears you.

I’m not the first and only one to have said this, but the days of paying someone for they’ve done rather than what they can do, is over. Especially on a mid-market team like ATL. If you think the $12 million (McCann’s option, not $13 million as you stated) doesn’t make a difference in an offseason with about $22-25 million freed up, you’re wrong. $12 million in 1 offseason makes a difference for any team, including the rich teams.

you shoulda heard some of the wacko ideas out there…. wanting to decline Maholm and Hudson, use the money to sign Greinke then pick up Mac’s option and trade him and start Bethancourt.!!!! I love you AJC , you make me feel so smart sometimes! lol

back on point, I think it’s a good move as even if Mac is mediocre, finding any better production in this catching market is not going to be possible. Maholm and Huddy provide excellent value at $14.5 mill net, go get us Pagan and Tori Hunter and let’s call it a night!

Not going to be possible for catching options? Napoli would be a more expensive option at C, while Pierzynski/Russell Martin could be had on a shorter deal/less money while bridging the gap to Bethancourt.

SF isn’t going to give up Pagan, plus his good playoff run might make some teams overpay for him. I love Hunter, but ATL should try everything to keep Prado where he is in LF – where he has adapted and is a gold-glove nominee – while trying to find a 3B. That might not be possible, but I hate the idea of moving Prado for the 3rd time in 4 years because we have to, especially when we have the young pitching to swing a deal for many options. I say go after Chase Headley, but that might not be an option anymore with his great 2012.

Russel Martin and Pierrzynski aren’t better than a healthy McCann and certainly don’t provide enough cost savings to negate the loss in production. And the gap to Bethancourt isn’t a year or so, it’s several years away. He has a lot of work to do on his offensive game (he only walked in 4% of his PA’s this past season in AA).

SF might not have a choice about Pagan because of their budget and his
desire for a FA payday.

Secondly, it makes absolutely ZERO sense to try and keep Prado in LF. Prado is an above average defender at 3rd and his offensive production would be above average at third. It’s also much easier to find decent/good LFer’s than it is 3rd baseman right now.

As much as I would like Headley to be a Brave, it’s not going to happen. The most realistic option is to find or trade for someone who can take over for Prado in LF.

I thought about this, but with Uggla, Freeman, Heyward and then adding Juan, that’s a ton of K’s in the lineup. I definitely don’t think they will get rid of Juan or anything but I don’t think that he will fight for a starting spot by any means.

I know the organization wants him to lose some weight this off season so I guess we’ll see.

Francisco is not ready to be an everyday 3rd baseman…Terdo might be ready for 2014 but most likely 2015 because of the position move to 3rd! By then maybe the Braves have moved Uggla (if he doesn’t return to form) and Prado slides to 2nd Nick Ahmed isn’t ready yet LOL

I’m not sure how you could possibly claim to know this unless you’re privy to conversations that happen in Frank Wren’s office, but all the same I’m glad that you’ve been proven correct. I hope McCann can be a Brave for life.

Because it’s much more realistic to assert that they would non-tender one of the (normally) better offensive catchers in baseball? Especially when they have no one to take his spot as an every day catcher? Here I thought it was just common sense.

i dont like the 12 mil option for bmac after a surgery recovery offseason. try to resign for 3 years 24 mil. (or 2 years 20 mil with a big 3rd year team option that we decline for bethy) move prado to 3rd (still gold glove ability over there and better range at 3rd) use chip bourn and lowes money on the upton brothers. (will be inexpensive talent wise, yet expensive based on lack of proven consistency) outfield becomes one of best defensively and all that speed gives ton of options in lineup.

BJ
Prado
Jhey
freddie
Justin Upton
Bmac
Struggla
Simmons

BJ, Justin, and Jhey all young with a ton of speed and great defense.
prado and simmy make left side of lineup amazing
freddie is so good he makes uggs look decent.

may be far fetched but with the options beig picked up and beachy coming back, our pitchers all look locked in and both uptons should easily be able to be had with the money we have to spend. would even have enough to grab or trade for a key bench guy or util man like prado and infante were…

Finally i know bj and justin are not the dominant guys everyone wants but were never getting a hamilton type of player and these guys can be had at a reasonable price while still young and could develop with this team like it seems so many young players are able too. both have the talent to be elite

Plus, it’s not like he’s 35 and out until July, if his option is declined, we’d have been reading about his new 5 year $70 mill deal with the Rangers. posterior labrum’s don’t affect throwing, so there’s not a lot of defensive fear based on this surgery. an AL team would have snatched him up fast and the Braves would have lost him for nothing. that’s a bad move.

why would we trade for a left fielder/bonus outfielder when we can use chippers,and lowe’s salary plus diaz’s and beachy’s injury settlements and just go out and sign two free agent outfielders much cheaper than what it would cost us in prospects to trade for two
i’ve heard rumors the braves might go after victorino or bj/justin upton

Justin Upton is under contract!!! If Atl gets him it would have to be through a trade!! Do I need to go on??!!!!!!!!!! Oh wait I will!!!! The Braves have also been linked to the Minnesota Twins for 3 of their Of’s Willingham, Span, and Revere……Do I need to go on??!!!!!! Oh wait I will!!!! The Braves now have Hudson, Medlen, Meholm, Hanson, and Minor set in the rotation with Teheran and Delgado needing a spot in the rotation…What are the Braves biggest needs……Outfield!!! Almost every team needs/wants SP…The Braves have an abundance of it…It only make sense to move some of it to get an OF……

Plus several of the OF options on free agency are going to be offered qualifying offers….Hamilton, Pagan, BJ Upton, and possibly even Torii Hunter…If the sign any of them they have to give up draft picks!! I don’t see Atl giving up their 1st and 2nd draft picks to get their OF when they can get better options (Justin Upton) in the trade market..

I don’t look for them to trade for 2 unless its with Minnesota and they can get 2 in the same trade and not have to give up a lot extra.. I do look for them to add 1 through a trade though…unless maybe Victorino and Torii Hunter are not offered qualifying offers so they could go that route..

I love Brian McCann and I wish he could be a career Brave but I think he would have a longer and more productive career as a DH in the AL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back with the Braves as a coach or broadcaster after he retires from playing though.

I don’t like Mac’s money but they had to exercise his option. Ross is a FA. They have no major league catcher on their roster. His offensive struggles were because of his shoulder. If he comes back 100% and hits like he did the previous 3 years then I have no problem paying him the money. They already have money coming off the books…say they let Mac walk. I’m sure he has some buy-out money, then have to sign another catcher…what are they going to have- maybe 5-6 more million to spend. Don’t know if saving or having that money is worth the risk of not having a catcher on the roster….FA’s could bend them over knowing they have to sign a catcher. They already need to replace Bourn and Chipper as it is. Re-sign Ross, let him start for the first month.
Pagan or Victorino are cheaper alternatives to Bourn. I love Bourn’s defense more than anything. Braves had the best defensive OF (to the person who wants the Upton’s so they can have one the best def OF’s….they already had it). Don’t care if they get a 3B or LF…Prado will be fine at either position. Seems like OFer would be easier to find whether its free agency or via trade.
Malholm and Hudson were no brainers no matter what anybody says. You don’t let successful major league pitchers walk when you have for less than market value. If they didn’t want Malholm, you still pick-up the option and trade him. Teams would love to have him for 6.5 mil. Jurrgens will be non-tendered.
Hanson could be traded but they would have to sell low on him so might be better to trade Delgado if they can get one of the OFers they need.